Abstract
The central message of this report focuses on the fact that the current human species should not attempt to colonize Mars, or else we stand the risk of carrying over the various challenges faced and largely created by the human race i.e racism, colonialism, ethnic dominance, tribal superiority, forms of governance and the superiority mindset there-in, wars and corruption and or pollution and privilege. These factors have greater consequences in the new colony as illustrated in this study. This study concludes by recommending the concept of a 'First family" approach, having components of all the various races that currently inhibit the earth, as the only viable sustainable way of creating a pure and truly desirable colony for the next generation of humans who will eventually live on Mars. The ideas, ideologies, and framework provided in this paper is most likely to draw the attention of space experts and the wider academic and research community to have a deeper in-depth discussion regarding the colonization of Mars. A venture that Elon Musk seems to have personalized thus far. The recent surge in AI development has propelled humanity into an unprecedented era, distinct from the Stone Age, the Iron Age, the Industrial Age, and the Technological Age. We stand on the precipice of the AI Age. Our handling of this pivotal technology will shape our collective future, determining whether it will catalyze the zenith of human creativity for the benefit of all, or lead to our demise through our creations. One key area of interest in relation to AI is its likely ability to help humanity fulfill the dream of colonizing Mars. The remaining sections of this article will seek to answer the question: Is AI the key to establishing a sustainable first-family model colony on Mars?
Keywords: Mars, Colonization, AI, Elon Musk, Space exploration, Technology, First Family
1. Introduction
The colonization of Mars has always been a widely contested topic by new space experts and academics whose area of research focuses on making the human race a multi-planetary species. The foremost expert who in most recent times has personalized the colonization of Mars is Elon Musk, who laid out a comprehensive plan to achieve this great feat (Musk, 2017). However, the colonization of Mars should not be dominated by a single individual or a single human race who presumably due to advancements in technology have personalized the colonization of a second possible planet for humanity. In order to avoid a repetition of the very factors that plagued the Earth and contend with the current human existence on the planet, we must approach the colonization and eventual habitation of Mars from a different perspective. Deeper thought and involvement from a wider spectrum of humanity must be incorporated into the discussion of the new colony. It is very unreasonable for an individual, nation, or country to claim ownership of Mars (which is most likely going to happen if the current trend is not checked). No race, tribe, nationality, etc should be left behind or should be let into the new colony in the near future as second-class citizens. Thus, it must be a collective effort from now henceforth.
2. Related work
According to Bruhns & Haqq-Misra (2015), history has shown that humans have explored and exploited nearly all available land on Earth in less than 10,000 years, and we expect a much faster trajectory for planetary colonization due to the rapid pace of technological advances. This reality has drawn the attention of space explorers, private and public sectors, and governments across the Western world to activate a great push towards achieving the colonization of Mars with Space X and Mars One being the fore-front private organizations and the governments of the United States(NASA), Russia and Britain being the key state players.
According to Knappenberger (2015, p 2-3) No matter under what marketing this next step for humanity is packaged, some doubt that in the future mankind will be an interplanetary species. Their reasons are varied. Many, including Elon Musk (founder of SpaceX), believe that the prospect of a global catastrophe necessitates the colonization of other planets to preserve the human species. Global climate change, Malthusian limits, asteroid collisions, and nuclear war could each spell the end of humanity. By claiming and colonizing other planets we, as a species, are better equipped to survive the dangers. This explains the interest of the global and or academic community in the need to justify and or push for the colonization of Mars as an alternative planet for humanity. While this reasoning has merits, the current approach is counter-productive.
3. Challenges with the current approach
While we strive to go to Mars, in line with Elon Musk’s vision of establishing a new human colony there (Musk, 2018), I agree with the vision but completely disagree with the direction of the vision for the following reasons.
A. The current breed of humans cannot and should not be allowed to set up home on Mars unless we embrace a “Family first approach”. The issues of racial superiority, ethnic dominance, religious bigotry, and a feeling of entitlement that ruined the Earth for over 10,000 years will be replicated on Mars to dangerous degrees. Mars on its own is an incubator that is not different from a woman's womb. Whatever is planted in both can multiply. A seed of sperm multiplies in the womb and that is where early characteristics in a parent’s DNA are transferred to newly formed babies in the womb and multiplied. Mars is no different. A racist from the planet Earth or a person suffering from chronic health issues will see an almost 100% increase in such traits on Mars. This explains why scientists who visit the moon tend to have changes in their DNA or increase in height etc. (Loffhagen, 2018)
B. Mars is fragile and beautiful and life on Mars will require soft tending to evolve. The new human home cannot withstand a repetition of the nuclearization or wars the earth is used to. Countries going to Mars seeking to claim lands and assets forcefully will be the single biggest failure of the human adventure for survival. Colonialism, racism, crypto diplomacy, tribal dominance, superiority, and the tendency to control via technology, population number, or a feeling of entitlement based on who got there first, will be unacceptable and outrightly destructive to the new colony.
C. Systems of governance used on earth should be prohibited in the new colony. Democracy, socialism, and communism I.e should not be concepts that should govern the new colony. New planet, new path. Factors such as capitalism should be approached with caution. The new colony should not be turned into another rat race of haves and haves not! But progress and wealth for all based on equality and dignity of the human race, should be part and parcel of living on a new planet. If poverty and privilege are allowed to creep in there again...man has failed for the 1 millionth time!
Thus, the only viable way forward should be a new and pure breed of humans planted on Mars. A breed that does not assume association with the earth and all its shortcomings and biases. One way to achieve this is to plant a “first family” on Mars and allow for the slow and steady multiplication of that race. The first family could have traces of all the major races on the Earth to allow for beautiful diversity on Mars.
4. First family model
The first family model involves planting a species of humans that includes every race i.e. white, black, and yellow breeds. This family will be made up of a selected few who represent these races, tongues, and cultures. They will be allowed to freely mix up and breed a new species of human race that is obnoxious to the characteristics and biases of the planet from whence they came. Further discussion as to the selection criteria of this first family should be open to discussions at the United Nations and other involved forums.
5. Can Artificial intelligence help us get there faster?
The recent surge in AI development has propelled humanity into an unprecedented era, distinct from the Stone Age, the Iron Age, the Industrial Age, and the Technological Age. We stand on the precipice of the AI Age. Our handling of this pivotal technology will shape our collective future, determining whether it will catalyze the zenith of human creativity for the benefit of all, or lead to our demise through our creations. One key area of interest in relation to AI is its likely ability to help humanity fulfill the dream of colonizing Mars. Allan Grain (2024) strongly believes that AI will help mankind colonize Mars. He insinuates that “AI is currently being used in the space industry to help scientists analyze data more quickly and accurately and automate operations on spacecraft. The continuous development of AI is helping rovers and landers explore other planets and moons in ways never before possible”. Leonard David (2023) shares the same sentiment and states that robots on Mars be supercharged with AI to perform on-the-spot research, relaying their discoveries in real time. He further buttressed this point by explaining how a powerful AI model like ChatGPT can help to achieve this feat. “It isn't difficult to imagine a robot wheeling and dealing on the surface of Mars, factory-wired with ChatGPT or a similar artificial intelligence language model. This smart bot could be loaded with a suite of science devices. It could analyze what its scientific instruments are finding "on-the-spot," perhaps even collating any evidence of past life it uncovers nearly instantly”. Kanayo Ogwu, the founder and CEO of Prompt Biz Inc. who authored this article, agrees with the above summations and strongly believes that AI can play a crucial role in humanity's efforts to colonize Mars in several ways:
Autonomous Systems
Mars is far from Earth, so communication delays make remote control difficult. AI-powered autonomous systems can handle various tasks, from operating machinery to managing habitats, without constant human supervision.
Robotics
AI can enhance the capabilities of robots used for exploration, construction, and maintenance on Mars. These robots can navigate rough terrain, perform delicate tasks, and adapt to unexpected situations using AI algorithms.
Resource Management
AI can optimize resource usage on Mars, including water, energy, and food. Machine learning algorithms can analyze data from sensors and experiments to improve agricultural practices, recycling systems, and renewable energy generation.
Healthcare
AI-powered systems can monitor the health of astronauts, diagnose medical conditions, and recommend treatments. This includes analyzing biological data collected from wearable devices and medical sensors, as well as assisting with surgical procedures.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Simulation
AI can enhance VR simulations to train astronauts for Mars missions. By creating realistic environments and scenarios, AI helps astronauts prepare for challenges they may encounter on the Red Planet.
Predictive Modeling
AI algorithms can analyze data from Mars rovers, satellites, and other sources to predict weather patterns, geological events, and potential hazards. This information is crucial for planning missions and ensuring the safety of colonists.
Communication
AI can improve communication between Earth and Mars by optimizing data transmission, reducing latency, and enhancing signal reliability. Natural language processing (NLP) algorithms can also assist with cross-cultural communication among diverse teams of astronauts.
Psychological Support
Living on Mars presents unique psychological challenges due to isolation, confinement, and distance from Earth. AI-powered virtual assistants can provide companionship, counseling, and mental health support to colonists.
By leveraging AI in these and other areas, humanity can overcome many of the technical, logistical, and psychological barriers to colonizing Mars and establishing sustainable settlements on the Red Planet.
5. Conclusion: AI for Sustainable First-Family Model Colony on Mars
While the intention and push to colonize Mars and make the human species a multi-planetary species rages on, the current approach undermines the very values of inclusion that ultimately guarantee a sustainable new colony for the human race. The key stakeholders should thus approach inhabiting the new colony from the perspective of a first family as illustrated in this study. Elon Musk and other propagandists of the tech-based colonization of space should either conform to an inclusive family-first strategy or desist from approaching the colonization of Mars as a personal family venture to the detriment of a larger community of humanity. The power of AI should also be harnessed to propel a sustainable first-family model colony on Mars.
References
Allan G (2004) “AI Will Help Mankind Colonize Mars”, Hackernoon, February 29th, 2024. Retrieved May 10th, 2024 from https://hackernoon.com/ai-will-help-mankind-colonize-mars
Bruhns, S & Haqq-Misra, J (2015) A Pragmatic Approach to Sovereignty on Mars. Space Policy: doi:10.1016/j.spacepol.2016.05.008, retrieved March 26, 2018, from https://arxiv.org/pdf/1511.05615.pdf
Kanayo, O (2024) “AI can play a crucial role in humanity's efforts to colonize Mars in several ways”, Prompt Biz Inc. Retrieved May 10, 2024, from https://www.promptbiz.biz
Knappenberger, C, (2015) "An Economic Analysis of Mars Exploration and Colonization" (2015). Student research. Paper 28. Retrieved January 20, 2018, from https://scholarship.depauw.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1028&context=studentresearch
Leonard, D. (2023) “ChatGPT on Mars: How AI can help scientists study the Red Planet”, Space.com, May 14, 2023. Retrieved May 8, 2023 from https://www.space.com/artificial-intelligence-chatgpt-mars
Loffhagen, M, (2018) NASA Twin Study Shocker: Space Travel Altered Astronaut Scott Kelly’s DNA. Retrieved 20 March, 2018, from https://www.outerplaces.com/science/item/17979-nasa-twin-study-space-travel-astronaut-scott-kelly-dna
Musk Elon. New Space. Jun 2017. ahead of print http://doi.org/10.1089/space.2017.29009.emu
Musk Elon.New Space.Mar 2018. ahead of printhttp://doi.org/10.1089/space.2018.29013.emu Published in Volume: 6 Issue 1: March 1, 2018
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